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An inquest opened on Monday into the death of Paul Martin (29), who died instantly when a Volkswagen Passat, travelling the wrong way up the M66 motorway, ploughed head-on into his car.

His family was still coming to terms with the death of Paul's younger brother, Gary (23), in November 2000. He was found hanged at his home in Bury.

An inquest returned an open verdict because it was unclear whether he intended to commit suicide.

Paul was driving his BMW to the home in Bolton Road North, Edenfield, he shared with electrician father Jim, stepmother Kathy and older brother Lee (30).

His father said: 'We are just devastated, we can hardly believe it. There is more disbelief than anger at the moment. It is even worse because we lost another son. It has brought all the feelings up again.'

He described Paul son as a 'fun-loving boy who enjoyed nights out with his friends and was always ready to help others'.

Paul, who worked in Salford City Council's housing department, had spent the evening at the Village Hotel, Prestwich, helping a friend prepare for his wedding the next day. He was minutes away from home when the accident happened, just after midnight on Saturday 14 June.

The Passat, being driven by Mr Patrick Fanning (47) of Radcliffe, entered the motorway via the exit slip road at Junction 1 near Summerseat. It narrowly avoided one car and a lorry before it careered into Paul's BMW. Firefighters cut both drivers free but Paul was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Fanning remains in a critical condition in Bury General Hospital.

Paul attended Elton Primary and Elton High School before studying for his A-levels at Stand College, Whitefield. He went on to gain a degree in criminology and sociology and his father said he had considered a career in the police service.

Mr John Townsend, chief executive of Salford's New Prospect Housing, said: 'This is a terrible tragedy. Paul Martin worked with us as a tenant participation officer for over two years. He was a highly-valued member of staff and his sense of humour, support and loyalty will be missed by colleagues and tenants.'